File:El Nido Palawan Big Lagoon.jpg

Photo by nennnn from Wikimedia

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon


 

Although there are numerous beautiful lagoons located in the province of Palauan, Philippines, Big Lagoon and Small lagoons stand out as the most stunning of them all.

Both lagoons are located on Eldido Island, and they are by far the most visited lagoons in the whole of the Philippines. Although one is referred to as a small lagoon, they are both massive and provide stunning scenery and a memorable experience.

Here are the top 10  unbelievable facts about Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon.

1. Big Lagoon and Small Lagoons are Located on the Same Island

File:El Nido Palawan 1.jpg

photo by Philippine Fly Boy from Wikimedia

Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are divided by only a stretch of Limestone Mountains but need to be accessed by going around the coast.

 The entrance to the small lagoon is accessed through a narrow gap in between two rocks, while the big lagoon entrance is wide enough for several outrigger boats to enter simultaneously.

2. Small Lagoon

Located at the northern end of Miniloc Island, a 20-minute boat ride west of El Nido Town, Small Lagoon is a beautiful, shallow cove. It’s about 150 meters long and only 35 meters.

Its deep green waters are surrounded by limestone cliffs partially covered with lush vegetation. Small Lagoon also has fascinating caves to explore and many jumping spots.

It can only be accessed through a small gap in the rock, which you can swim or take a small sea kayak through. Because it is less crowded than its neighboring counterpart, it offers a more free swimming experience.

3. Big Lagoon

File:El Nido Palawan Big Lagoon.jpg

photo by nennnn from Wikimedia

Adjacent to the small lagoon, the big lagoon measures 800 meters in length and 1000 meters wide. It is wide enough for several outrigger boats to enter simultaneously.

The big lagoon is characterized by the bright blue, crystal clear waters, sharp corals, and white sandbanks surrounded by stunning limestone walls. The karsks are massive, some towering as high as city buildings.

The best way to visit is by sea kayak, which gives an opportunity to explore all the natural beauty of this lagoon. Snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving are the main activities in the lagoon.

4. Visiting both Lagoons on the Same day is Prohibited

 Both Big Lagoon and the Small Lagoon are the most famous duo of lagoons in El Nido. Previously, tourists were allowed to combine and visit both lagoons in a single trip.

However, in order to be able to control the number of visitors for conservation purposes, the government has introduced new rules. The rules stipulate that a person is allowed to visit only one of the lagoons per day.

Due to this new set of rules, a visitor will need to book two separate trips in order to visit both of the lagoons.

5. The Number of Visitors is Regulated

File:El Nido Bay, Island lagoon, Palawan, Philippines.jpg

photo by Vyacheslav Argenberg from Wikimedia

For the purpose of preservation of the environment and protecting the wildlife that lives in the area, the municipality of El Nido decided to limit the number of people who visit the lagoon each day.

Once the daily quota is reached for a given day, the local authorities refuse to issue any new permits to visit these tourist spots.

To maximize the chances of accessing these lagoons, it is advisable for the visitors to book their lagoons tours early in advance to avoid any inconveniences that may arise.

6. Kayaking in Big Lagoon

Due to its sheer size, the big lagoon is the most incredible place for kayaking. Paddling through these vast natural pools of turquoise waters framed by stunning limestone walls brings an unforgettable experience.

Getting off the Kayak and swimming around the lagoon in between kayaking is absolutely stunning.

The easiest way to explore the Big Lagoon is by hiring one of the kayaks at the entrance; however, they are a lot more expensive than anywhere else in El Nido.

7. They are Located on a Popular Tourist Destination Island

File:El Nido Palawan 2.jpg

photo by Philippine Fly Boy from Wikimedia

 The big lagoon and small lagoon are located on El Nido Island, Palawan province in the Philippines.  The North West coast of the island is along the South China Sea, while the southeast coast forms part of the northern limit of the Sulu Sea.

Much of the island remains traditional and is considered underdeveloped. Abundant wildlife, Jungle Mountains, and some white sandy beaches attract many tourists, as well as international companies looking for development opportunities.

8. Other Sites near Big Lagoon and Small Lagoons

Big lagoon and small lagoon are located in El Nido, Palavan, a top tourist destination referred to as the “last frontier of the Philippines” for its towering marble cliffs, stunning islands, and enchanting lagoons.

Other big tourist attractions include:  The Hidden Beach- This is a small beach that cannot be seen from the open sea and is surrounded by limestone rock formations.

Matinloc Island is the home to the best snorkeling spots – Kalmung Point and Kulasa Beach. 

9. Climate of the Area

There are only two seasons in El Nido, the dry season, from November to May, and the wet season, from June to October. The driest months are April and May.

Heavy rainfalls happen during the month of August. The coolest temperatures are usually experienced during the month of January while April and May are the hottest months.

10. How to Get There

The best way to go to El Nido is to fly directly to Lio Airport from Manila. Currently, AirSWIFT is the only airline that services the Manila to El Nido route.

The only way to get to the Big Lagoon is by boat. You can choose to go on a tour or hire your own boat. We recommend going to the Big Lagoon as a whole day trip as the boat crews will charge you a fixed price no matter how many stops you make.

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